Schengen Visa Breakthrough: Germany to Open New Centres in Nigeria, Eases Application Bottlenecks
- Germany has launched new Schengen visa application centres in four African countries, with Nigeria having two
- The new centres, located in FCT Abuja and Lagos state, aim to cut down on the stress, delays
- Germany’s Federal Foreign Office announce that the centres are part of a new seven-year partnership with VFS Global
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Legit.ng’s Pascal Oparada has reported on tech, energy, stocks, investment and the economy for over a decade.
In a major step toward easing visa challenges for Africans, Germany is expanding its Schengen visa application network with new centres planned for Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria, as well as Yaoundé, Cameroon, and Nicosia, Cyprus.
These centres are not yet operational and will open in the coming months under a renewed seven-year partnership with VFS Global.
Once operational, they will handle the initial collection of visa applications, biometric data, and appointment scheduling, helping reduce delays and improve access for travellers.
The new centres, located in Abuja and Lagos, aim to reduce the stress, delays, and long waiting periods that many Nigerian applicants have faced for years.
Source: Getty Images
Schengen visa: No more delays, appointment headaches
Germany’s federal foreign Office announced that the centres are part of a new seven-year partnership with VFS Global, the world’s largest visa outsourcing and technology services provider.
Additional centres have also opened in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and Nicosia, Cyprus, broadening Germany's reach and accessibility for visa applicants.
Until now, Nigerians seeking Schengen visas for Germany had to pass through the German Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos.
These were the only two official locations processing visa requests, and demand frequently outstripped available appointment slots, causing months-long wait times and growing frustration.
The new visa centres are expected to bring relief to thousands of applicants by increasing processing capacity, reducing queues, and making the entire visa journey more transparent and efficient.
According to VFS Global, this expansion will also enable applicants to receive more timely feedback, track their applications more effectively, and avoid the uncertainty that has plagued the system for years.
Clafirying, a statement said:
"Applicants should follow updates from the official VFS Global website and the German Mission for confirmed opening dates before making any travel or appointment arrangements."
Nigeria among highest Schengen visa rejection rates
Germany remains a top destination for Nigerians pursuing higher education, healthcare, tourism, and job opportunities. However, access has not always been easy.
In 2024, Nigeria recorded a 45.9% Schengen visa rejection rate, the third-highest globally after Bangladesh, according to official data.
This shocking statistic underscores the difficulties many Nigerians face when applying to travel abroad—both in terms of bureaucracy and perceived risk.
The expansion of visa centres is seen as a step in the right direction to reverse this trend.
VFS warns against scammers, fake visa agents
As excitement grows, so do the risks. VFS Global has warned the public to be vigilant against fake websites and fraudsters pretending to offer paid appointments or visa fast-tracking services.
Applicants are strongly advised to book their appointments only through the official VFS Global website or trusted partners.
“Do not fall victim to scams. Visa appointments are free of charge and must be scheduled officially,” the company said in a statement.
New visa centres positive for many Nigerians
According to a Vanguard report, with the launch of these new visa centres, thousands of Nigerians may now have a smoother and more reliable path to explore their dreams in Germany.
Source: Getty Images
Whether for education, health, or career advancement, the process has just become a little easier and a lot more hopeful.
Germany lowers taxes for Nigerians
A previous report by Legit.ng disclosed that the German government is considering lowering taxes for foreign skilled workers who want to take up jobs in the country.
The tax cuts will range from 30 to 10%.
The move comes amid an effort to attract foreign-qualified professionals into Germany under its growth initiative, an effort by the government to partly exempt newly arrived foreign workers from taxes for the first three years.
US imposes visa bond up to $15,000 on high-risk countries
Legit.ng earlier reported in a major shift aimed at curbing visa overstays, the United States government would begin requiring foreign nationals from selected countries to post a visa bond of up to $15,000.
The bond, payable before a visa is granted, is part of a 12-month pilot programme announced by the US State Department.
Scheduled to start on August 20, the programme will target countries with high rates of visa overstays, deficient vetting systems, or questionable citizenship-by-investment programmes.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
